Now, no trip to Blizzard would be complete without a tour - you know, to see the studio's library and beach volleyball court. You think we're kidding, right? Read on...

I believe this sign is also hallowed. Y'know, in addition to the halls. Hell, the whole place is hallowed. [This photo courtesy of one of the guys we were with on the trip. I forget his name... Jason? From Platonic magazine? Not sure. Thanks though.]

The lawns are trimmed every morning by Blizzard's pod of pixies, who flit about the campus sprinkling pixie dust on the grass to keep it in check.

This kick-ass statue of an Orc riding a wolf is out the front of the World of Warcraft team's building. They're still working on the foundations...

...as you can see. Each of the eight points has a Blizzard motto. This one is 'gameplay first'. We also saw 'it'll be done when it's done bitches'. Maybe not.

In the foyer of the building pictured a couple above. I guess it bears a passing resemblance to Nancy Kerrigan... no ice skates though.

Every spare inch of wall space is covered with absolutely fantastic art.

Art art everywhere, and not a drop of ink. Wait, was that how the poem went?

This is where the magic happens. And by 'magic', we mean 'dark voodoo and ritual sacrifices'. Yes, the dark arts are the secret of Blizzard's success.

What a statue of Gimli is doing here I have no idea. Guess they must be big Tolkien fans.

A new piece of art for the halls is put together to celebrate the release of every WoW patch. This is for #19.

Staff don't take many sick days at Blizzard.

This cheery little chap was used to promote the little-known Blizzard game 'Happy-wappy Elves in Unicorn Land'.

Taking a stab in the dark I'd say this probably shows the location of One-Eyed Willie's treasure.

Or maybe it's a map of Azeroth.

Yes, there really is a library...

...and you have to give the password through this hatch in order to get in. Hey, the librarian's got to keep himself amused somehow, right? [Incidentally, the day we were there, the password was 'acid pops'].